I try to keep things as legit as possible,as I don't need a real stupid trespassing charge or something on my record. So I don't stealth camp unless its a real emergency, ive only had to once or twice.

National forests are good, most allow camping anywhere you like as long as it is 300 feet from the road.

I feel comfortable setting up my hammock almost anywhere in a fairly secluded area, it's easier to get away with the "oh I just stopped to grab a nap" line in a hammock rather than a tent. Even a park, rest area, etc. Remember people in rest areas can take a nap in their car and you can't, so I've never had anyone give me a hard time about a hammock especially if one end of it is tied to the bike.

If its raining or the weather sucks and I can't find an actual legit place to set up my tent then a hotel looks pretty good at that point.

What is the Canadian equivalent of National Forest land? Is there a good resource for travelling through Alberta and BC on the cheap??

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Like AlanCt says, it is called Crown Land. Here is a link to Crown Land in Alberta.http://srd.alberta.ca/MapsPhotosPublications/Maps/Default.aspx Just click "Public Land Use Zones" on the drop down menu for the map to get info for Alberta Crown Land. Essentially you can camp almost anywhere along the Forestry Trunk Road (Hwy 22/740) at no fee.

This thread is a great read and those pictures above are classic.That's what I love about travelling also,new experiences,people , and places. Riding solo imho tends to make one look more approachable and locals will often ask me about my bike ,where I'm from and so forth which leeds to a conversation and a lot of great tips about the local area etc.Thanks for the article Jamie z

Read this thread a while back and I'm catching up on it now and figured I'd throw in a food option I hadn't seen yet. Couscous. Very simple to make in a jetboil only needs a little boiled water then sit covered for 5 minutes. Also pre-mixing seasoning packets from stuff I have in bulk in the kitchen adds no additional cost flavor. Throw in a can of tuna/chicken/salmon for some protein and it's a cheap, nutritious, filling hot meal. And the couscous, seasoning, measuring stuff, will all pack down into the 32oz container the couscous comes in. A 32oz tub of couscous will get you 14+ meals for a few bucks.

First attempt at ninja camping was totally unplanned. I was heading through Maryland taking the coastal route up north and it got late, I got tired, and it was off the highway so there were no rest stops. I tried asking for a cheap room at a hotel and was told the rate was fixed at $110(!) with a check-out time in 9 hours. I found the closest state park, the ranger station was empty and it said all sites were booked. At this point it was almost 3AM so I took a quick look figuring no one would be arriving at a reserved campsite in the middle of the night. There were plenty of empty sites. I was in the truck, no tent. Middle of summer, 70 degrees, clear skies, no bugs. I did have a blanket and a poncho. Well... I'll let the picture say the rest.

One of my best nights sleep on the road. The campers next to me looked at me a little funny but I was able to hit up the camp bathroom and play frizbee with the pup before I took off. Came in late and left early. I had every intention of paying on the way out but the ranger station was still closed.

I never feel bad about screwing the government out of money. Private campground--never. State campground--you betcha!

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Hey now. I am retired CA State Parks and have a good friend that is a Park Ranger for WA State Parks. In general State Parks and not a positive revenue generator and they depend on every dollar they can get. If it is nice enough to stay in it is nice enough to pay for. One of the best things a person can do is donate to the local Park Association. Those monies are NOT state funds and can be spent wisely.

Hey now. I am retired CA State Parks and have a good friend that is a Park Ranger for WA State Parks. In general State Parks and not a positive revenue generator and they depend on every dollar they can get. If it is nice enough to stay in it is nice enough to pay for. One of the best things a person can do is donate to the local Park Association. Those monies are NOT state funds and can be spent wisely.

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Very good points TC...

actually...even National parks are in serious jeopardy these days. I heard they may close Glacier NP for the winter months due to budget constraints

Hey now. I am retired CA State Parks and have a good friend that is a Park Ranger for WA State Parks. In general State Parks and not a positive revenue generator and they depend on every dollar they can get. If it is nice enough to stay in it is nice enough to pay for. One of the best things a person can do is donate to the local Park Association. Those monies are NOT state funds and can be spent wisely.

Will now put my soap box away.

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So, are you saying that 100% of the money goes to the parks? If so, I agree with you. If not, are we just fattening the pensions that those of us in the private sector actually have to pay for?!